Connectivity & Broadband Crucial to UK Economy

Quote from Professor Mark Skilton, of Warwick Business School

“The future of the UK economy hinges on connectivity and getting broadband speeds consistent and everywhere, so the role of telecoms companies and internet providers is crucial in growing the UK economy in the digital age. A digital economy doesn’t work if you do not have a signal, the internet of things won’t happen unless we improve the network in the UK and its performance.

“The technology is there to do this, but the investment needed is substantial. It is in the interests of the internet service providers (ISPs), consumers, business and the Government to get this sorted out. But at the moment the UK market is driven by the large telecom providers who will only invest if there is a viable return on investment. We need a strong regulator to drive this and work with the ISPs to get coverage and broadband speeds consistent across the UK otherwise our economy will slowly fall behind the rest of the world.

“The US is getting tough on companies and fining the likes of AT&T to get services improved, it is now pushing companies to improve. I am not saying the UK should do this, but the regulator Ofcom and the Government need to provide more incentives and create the right environment where our free market model improves its service and improves it rapidly. At the moment the regulations are too lax in this country and there are no incentives for companies to improve, something has to change if the UK is not to fall behind the rest of the world.”